Brave Irene

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1986). Brave Irene. Illus. William Steig. Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.

Brief Annotation: This is an inspiring story of a one girl's bravery, determination and resolve to honor her mother's hard work.

Genre: Storybook

Grade Level: K-3

Readers who will like this: For anyone who has been faced with a daunting task and overwhelming obstacles that try to keep you from it will enjoy this story.

Response/Rating: I want to be Irene! She is full of determination, sass and has plenty to say to the forces that would keep her from accomplishing her goals. I love that the hero in this story is in fact a heroine. As a professional nanny, I have used this story as an illustration of what it means to be brave and determined. I love the fact that Steig even gave the wind a personality. I rate this book 4 of 4.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do the words 'Bravery' and 'Determination' mean to you? How have you been brave and determined?

Shrek

Bibliography Information: Steig, W. (1990). Shrek. Illus. William Steig. New York, NY: Square Fish.

Brief Annotation: An ugly ogre who leaves home to find his true love, a stunningly ugly princess, and all he has to say is, "Apple Strudel".

Genre: Fantasy

Grade Level: K-2

Readers who will enjoy this: Readers who understand that just because you don't look like everyone else doesn't mean you can't find happiness will enjoy this read.

Response/Rating: 3 of 4

One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do 'Persistent' and 'Pursue' mean? What are some things that we should pursue and be persistent about until we get them?

Abel's Island

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1976). Abel's Island. Illus. William Steig. New York, NY: Square Fish.

Brief Annotation: This story is about a mouse who gets lost in a storm and finds himself on an island where he discovers who he is on the inside as well as his vocation. Abel discovers his own strength, fortitude and resilience while learning how to live in the wilderness.

Genre: Storybook, Animal Fantasy

Grade Level: 2-5

Readers who will like this: Readers who enjoy discovery, pictures, scintillating language and mice will love this endearing story.

Response/Rating: 4 of 4

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Can you think of a time when you were lost and afraid? How did you get found and were there people to help? What other ways might Abel have been able to get off the island?

Pete's A Pizza

Bibliography Information: Steig, W. (1998). Pete's a Pizza. Illus. William Steig. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Inc.

Brief Annotation: This is a story of a father putting to good his creativity and some cooking knowledge when his son gets in a bad mood due to rain.

Genre: Storybook

Grade Level: Pre-K-1

Readers who will like this: Anyone who had ever been in a bad mood and need a little chuckle to help them snap out of it will enjoy Pete's a Pizza.

Response/Rating: 3 of 4

One question you would ask before a read aloud: How do you snap out of a bad mood? What makes you happy?

The Amazing Bone

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1976). The Amazing Bone. Illus. William Steig. Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.

Brief Annotation: Pearl, the pig, and her talking bone try everything possible to escape the wiles of a fox. Steig uses language, pictures and magic to portray this battle of the wits.

Genre: Animal Fantasy

Grade Level: K-2

Readers who will like this: Reader who enjoy a good battle of the wits and can escape easily into Steig's world of fantasy will enjoy this book.

Response/Rating: 2 of 4

One questions you would ask before a read aloud: What would you have done if you were Pearl's new friend and knew she was in danger?

Syvester and the Magic Pebble

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Illus. William Steig. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

Brief Annotation: Sylvester finds a magic pebble. Thinking this magic pebble will astonish his parents he begins his journey home. That journey takes an unexpected turn when he is confronted by a lion. This story portrays something found, something lost and something found again.

Genre: Animal Fantasy

Grade Level: K-3

Readers who will like this: Children and adults, alike, who enjoy adventure, fantasy and a good story of a family reunited under the most unlikely circumstances.

Response/Rating: 3 of 4

One question you would ask before a read aloud: If you were confronted by a lion and you had a magic pebble, what would you wish for?

Pete's a Pizza

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1998). Pete's a Pizza. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Brief Annotation: Pete becomes discouraged when he cannot go outside and play due to the weather. As a way to cheer him up, his father makes Pete into a pizza. Pete enjoys this very much, and just as they are through playing the sun comes out and Pete can finally go out and play!

Genre: Storybook

Grade: Pre-k- 1

Readers who will like this: Children who have funny imaginations; children who enjoy pizza; children who find humor in imaginative play.

Response/Rating: 3; This book was an entertaining. While there was no real lesson to it, it had a fun, quirky storyline.

One question I would ask before a read aloud: What is your favorite type of pizza?